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Muhammad Wilkerson figures to be a cornerstone for the New York Jets' defense for years to come. The Jets are reportedly discussing a new contract for Wilkerson at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine.
Continue for updates.
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com reports that new Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan will meet with Wilkerson's agent at the combine in Indianapolis.
Wilkerson was the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, has exceeded the hype and has played at a high enough level to merit a lucrative new deal.
Brian Costello of the New York Post believes Wilkerson warrants a big payday:
Spotrac.com projects the Jets to have over $48.5 million in cap room for 2015, so they have plenty of room to extend Wilkerson an offer this offseason before he enters the last year of his rookie deal.
Owner Woody Johnson has previously stated that the new Jets regime would focus on retaining Wilkerson.
"I think that's something that we'll be looking at, starting Tuesday, when we get our first staff in there," said Johnson, via NJ.com's Dom Cosentino. "We're going to take a look at Mo; Mo's obviously a great player. In terms of getting all that going, I'm sure that will be one of their priorities."
New York hasn't posted a winning season since Wilkerson arrived, but he has been a bright spot during those trying years. Head coach Todd Bowles is a defensive guru—just like his predecessor, Rex Ryan—with similar tendencies to dial up blitzes and be aggressive.
Double-teams are almost mandatory for opponents when they block Wilkerson. He is well over 300 pounds and has the strength and athleticism to play anywhere on the defensive line. Bowles should have a field day with the versatile Wilkerson in his hybrid schemes.
Although a significant investment is necessary for New York to score more points, Wilkerson is a critical piece to the Jets' puzzle because of his ability to dominate against both dimensions of an opposing offense. It won't be a surprise to see him among the highest-paid defensive linemen in football soon enough.
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